Recent developments concerning WWE and TNA Wrestling have ignited excitement among fans, showcasing how talent contracts and surprising appearances are shaping the future of the wrestling industry.
One of WWE’s most beloved stars, Sami Zayn, is officially staying put. The last two years have seen Zayn ascend to new heights within the company, especially after playing pivotal roles within The Bloodline saga and winning the Intercontinental Championship from Gunther. During this transformative period, many wrestling superstars have committed their futures to the WWE, and Zayn appears to be among them. Sean Ross Sapp reported on May 17, 2024, after interviewing Zayn, who remarked, “I don’t see myself leaving the company.” He emphasized enjoying his current position and having “a good thing going” with WWE. Zayn previously signed a multi-year contract with the organization back in 2022.
Another major name, Kevin Owens, also confirmed his commitment to WWE. He humorously announced to fans his contract renewal, stating, “If you bring cookies to support my daughter’s Girl Scout troop, I’ll keep wrestling for at least 4 years, 11 months, and 22 days more.” Although Owens had expressed uncertainty about his future earlier, confirming his contract provides considerable stability for the former World Champion. Interestingly, Zayn and Owens are scheduled to clash at Elimination Chamber in what promises to be another intense chapter of their storied rivalry.
Meanwhile, the wrestling world witnessed notable departures as Sonya Deville, Elektra Lopez, Giovanni Vinci, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Isla Dawn, Cedric Alexander, and AOP (Rezar and Akam) parted ways with WWE earlier this month. Deville’s exit marks the end of her association with WWE after impactful years, alongside the rise of Lopez, who quickly became recognized within key factions like Legado del Fantasma. After transitioning from NXT to SmackDown, Lopez last competed on WWE SmackDown on December 6, 2023. Sportskeeda’s Chris Featherstone reported strong interest from TNA Wrestling, where discussions are underway for Lopez to join their ranks after her 90-day non-compete clause expires. Other promotions have also expressed interest, but sources suggest Lopez is leaning toward TNA.
Additionally, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is showcasing his coaching expertise as part of the “WWE LFG” initiative. One of his standout pupils has been Roxanne Perez, who started training at Booker’s Reality of Wrestling school at age 16. Perez, now recognized for her development within WWE, qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match. “She’s exactly what we’re striving for...coming prepared for the big stage,” stated Booker T during his interview on The Takedown. He noted Perez often seeks feedback from him, demonstrating her dedication to improvement and mastery of television wrestling.
The excitement didn’t stop there. On February 21, 2024, The Rock made a surprise return to WWE SmackDown, invoking considerable buzz among fans as he called out Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Speculations mounted following Dave Meltzer's discussion on the Wrestling Observer Radio about the chaotic preparations leading up to The Rock’s segment. “Cody's going to turn him down and then there's going to be a feud,” Meltzer speculated, indicating the potential direction of their storyline. The last-minute nature of The Rock's inclusion significantly altered the prepared show flow, showcasing the unpredictability of live wrestling events.
These developments highlight the constant evolution within WWE and TNA Wrestling, as talent moves, contract renewals, and surprise appearances, like those of The Rock, continue to shape the wrestling narrative. Fans eagerly watch as these iconic figures navigate their careers, impacting the promotion's future and leaving their mark on wrestling history.